On Sustenance, Transition, and Leading Policy Initiatives as Smallholder Farmer
As we set out to share the stories of phenomenal African women in agriculture, we are intentionally seeking out those who are doing incredible work but have rarely had their stories told to the world.
For too long, the policy arena has been seen as the exclusive domain of technocrats and experts. Meanwhile, farmers, the very people these policies are meant to serve, are rarely consulted in any meaningful way, unless as small snippets of “farmer’s perspectives” in interviews conducted by experts in policy development.
Grace’s story challenges this norm. It exemplifies how women farmers are not just feeding their communities. They are leading policy initiatives at the grassroots level.
Sylvia Kuria: Can you tell me about how you found your way to farming?
Grace Mbaru: I’m Grace Mbaru from Ndeiya, Limuru, in Kiambu County, Central Kenya. I learned how to farm growing up on my parents’ farm.